Safe practices on farm workshops
EVERY farmer has to have a range of skills in the running of a farm, most notably stock-manship skills.
However there is also a requirement to carry out machinery maintenance and repairs.
Workshop equipment can vary from farm to farm, varying from the very basic required by farmers with a few machines, to a complete workshop required by highly mechanised farms and contractors. It is imperative that safe work practices are adopted when doing workshop work.
Serious or fatal injury can occur due to the misuse of virtually every item of equipment. I’m sure some of you reading this article can think of a time when you were lucky enough to escape injury, but the important point is to carry out a safety audit in advance of work and immediately introduce changes to make your workshop and farm safe. There is a legal duty on farmers and agricultural contractors to prepare a safety statement under section 20 of the safety, health and welfare at work act 2005.
The workshop should be constructed from fireproof materials such as concrete blocks, concrete, steel and non-asbestos fibre – cement sheeting.
Solid walls are best as they can provide support for tool boards, shelves and benches. If converting an existing old farm building to a workshop, ensure the machines you will be working on can fit into the workshop.
The workshop door should be at least 3.8 metres high and 4.5 metres wide. Double sliding door-type or roller doors are best, and never use swinging doors as they are too dangerous in wind.
Ideally you need to have at least two metres’ space around the machine as working in tight spaces is not safe. The workshop needs to be adequately ventilated as exhaust fumes can quickly reach harmful concentrations.
Fire can be a serious hazard in a workshop. Repairs should never be carried out in the vicinity of hay or straw.
Flammable materials such as fuel, oil, paint thinners, paint or grease should never be stored in a workshop. A fire extinguisher must be easily accessible, and choose either a dry powder or carbon dioxide type for the workshop as they are suitable for use on electrical fires and burning liquids.
The workshop should also be equipped with fire buckets filled with sand and a fire blanket. Electric installations and alterations must be carried out by a qualified electrician and should comply with wiring rules for farm buildings.
A good selection of hand tools and power tools is required for every workshop and must be fit for purpose.
Many substances used in workshops and by product of workshop processes have potential to cause permanent ill health; examples including dermatitis and headaches.
So wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as visors/ goggles/nitrile gloves and trim fit clothing.
When carrying out certain tasks in the workshop display suitable warning signs, which is an integral part of health and safety management.
Be open to receiving further training on specific items or equipment and employ qualified professionals where necessary.